USA > Iowa > Black Hawk County > History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 42
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY
1849 he brought his family to Iowa, settling first in Jefferson county, but soon afterward he removed to Spring Creek township, Black Hawk county, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers. He shared in all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life and bore his part in the work of early development and improvement. He could relate many interesting incidents of the early days and he lived to witness remarkable changes. His death occurred in 1903, while his widow still resides in Waterloo. He filled various local offices, including that of township assessor, in which capacity he served for twenty-two years, his long continuance in the office being unmistakable proof of his capability and fidelity in that position. To Mr. and Mrs. Glessner have been born three children, Ida B., Ira D., and Herschel H., all at home and all attending school.
Mr. Glessner is a member of the Church of the Brethren. His political indorsement is given to the men and measures of the republican party and he has filled the office of clerk of Spring Creek township and has also served on the board of education. He is interested in everything that pertains to public progress and improvement and his cooperation can always be counted upon to further plans and measures for the general good. Residing in this county throughout the period of his manhood, he is well known and an analyzation of his life record shows that the success which he now enjoys is the direct outcome of his persistent labor and spirit of enterprise.
J. WILLIAM MORRISON.
J. William Morrison, residing on section 31, Cedar township, is cultivating an excellent farm of one hundred and eighty acres, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. He was born in Cedar county, Iowa, in August, 1886, a son of Thomas and Sina ( McMurin) Morrison, who are also natives of that county. The father has followed agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life. After operating a farm in Cedar county for a number of years he removed to Story county, where he engaged in farming for three years. Hc then came to Cedar township, Black Hawk county, and took charge of the L. F. Foulk farm, which he operated until 1912 or for about twenty years. winning substantial success during that period. He then retired and removed to Waterloo, where he purchased a nice home surrounded by two and a quarter acres of ground. He does a little truck gardening now but has laid aside the more arduous and strenuous duties of life to enjoy a well earned rest in the evening of his days.
J. William Morrison was largely reared and educated in Cedar township and has spent the greater part of his life on the Foulk farm. In his youthful days he became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the- crops, for he assisted his father in the farm work and aided in converting the land into very productive fields. He therefore had considerable valuable experi- ence when he began farming on his own account. When his father left the. place he rented it and is now busily engaged in the further cultivation of one. hundred and eighty acres of rich land. The soil is arable, and the methods which: he employs in crop production result in good harvests each year.
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On the 15th of February, 1912, Mr. Morrison was united in marriage to Miss Zepha Huppert, a daughter of Jacob and Susan (Templin) Huppert. They now have one child, Alfred A. In his political views Mr. Morrison is a repub- lican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He is a Presbyterian in religious faith, and his has been a well spent life, bringing to him not only success in his labors but also the respect and good- will of his fellowmen.
CHARLES F. HOPPE.
Charles F. Hoppe is filling the office of township clerk in Spring Creek town- ship and is also engaged in general farming on sections 4, 9 and 10. He was born in Germany, September 10, 1869, a son of Charles L. and Christina (Tebbe) Hoppe, who were likewise natives of Germany. The father followed farming in the old country, devoting his attention to the work of tilling the fields there until 1883, when he came to America, settling first in Indiana. After about a year, however, he removed to Black Hawk county, lowa, and purchased land in Spring Creek township, where he carried on farming until 1912, when he retired from active business life and is now living with his son.
Charles F. Hoppe was reared and educated in Germany to the age of four- teen years, when he came to the new world with his parents. He afterwards worked out as a farm hand for two years in Indiana and for four years in Iowa, but he was anxious that his labors should more directly benefit himself and he used every advantage which would enable him ultimately to begin farm- ing on his own account. At length he rented two hundred acres of land and continued the development and further cultivation of that farm for fifteen years. He lived economically, carefully managed his business interests and while rent- ing was able to accumulate a stin sufficient to permit the purchase of eighty acres of his present farm. This he also operated in addition to the tract of two hundred acres which he rented. Ile at once set about improving the place and later he purchased eighty acres more. This was in 1896, the first eighty acres having come into his possession three years before. His land lies on sec- tions 9 and 10, Spring Creek township, the buildings being all on the latter section. He at once began improving the place and now has one of the best farm prop- erties in the county. He afterward purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres adjoining, on section 4, and this, too, is improved. He has continuously operated his farm since it came into his possession and his labors have been attended with gratifying results. His methods are at once practical and pro- gressive and what he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion.
On the 22d of November, 1893, Mr. Hoppe was united in marriage to Miss Emma Schildmeier, a daughter of Christian and Christina Schildmeier, who were natives of Germany and pioneer settlers of this county, where they arrived about 1858. They bought seven hundred and twenty acres of land in Spring Creek township and Mr. Schildmeier continued the further cultivation and improve- ment of that property throughout his remaining days. His life's labors were
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ended in December, 1904. He had for two years survived his wife, who passed away in August, 1902. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoppe were born three children : Helena E., the wife of August Himmerman, a farmer of Buchanan county, Iowa ; and Edwin C. and Arthur C., at home. The wife and mother passed away in February, 1901, after an illness of but five days. Later the father married Christina Schildmeier, a sister of his first wife, and two children have been born of this union, Otto W. and Oscar. C.
In addition to his home farm Mr. Hoppe has business interests elsewhere, being a stockholder and director of the Farmers Exchange at La Porte City and also of the Farmers Telephone Company. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. He is now filling the office of township clerk, in which capacity he has served for four years. He is likewise justice of the peace and has occupied that position for eight years, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial, based upon the law and equity in the case. He has made an excellent record both in office and out of it and he enjoys the high regard and goodwill of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.
JACOB H. FEHL.
Jacob HI. Fehl, the period of whose residence in Black Hawk county covers about four decades, has devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and is now the owner of three hundred and thirty-five acres of valuable land on sections 13, 14, 23 and 24, Spring Creek township. His birth occurred in Wisconsin on the 29th of June, 1865, his parents being Jacob and Maggie (Loeb) Fehl, both of whom were natives of Germany. They were brought to this country in childhood by their respective parents, who located in Wisconsin, where Jacob Fehl, Sr., was reared to manhood and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1875 he came to Black Hawk county, Iowa, purchasing land in Spring Creek township which he cultivated successfully until 1909. In that year he put aside the active work of the fields and has since lived retired, now making his home in Minnesota. His wife was called to her final rest in the fall of 1905.
Jacob H. Fehl, who was a lad of ten years when he came to this county with his parents, acquired his education in the schools of his native state and of Black Hawk county and remained at home until twenty-six years of age. He then embarked in agricultural pursuits on his own account, purchasing a tract of eighty acres in Spring Creek township and subsequently sixty acres more, improving and operating the property for eighteen years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of that land and bought three hundred and thirty-five acres on sec- tions 13, 14, 23 and 24, Spring Creek township, which he improved and has cul- tivated continuously to the present time. The annual yield of his fields is most gratifying, returning to him a substantial income, and he is numbered among the representative and prosperous farmers of his section.
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On the 20th of October, 1891, Mr. Fehl was united in marriage to Miss Lena Schutte, a daughter of Arnold and Augusta (Gusse) Schutte, both of whom were natives of Germany. They became pioneer settlers of Buchanan county. lowa, where Mr. Schutte followed farming until he passed away in 1871. His widow survives and resides on the old home place in that county. To Mr. and MIrs. Fehl have been born four children, as follows: Walter, at home; Neva, who is the wife of Lewis Bonorden, an agriculturist of Spring Creek township : and Lawrence and Grace, both at home.
Mr. Fehl gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is now serv- ing as a school director, having been a member of the board of education for twenty years. He is also one of the present trustees and has made an excellent record as a public official, discharging the duties devolving upon him in a prompt and capable manner. His religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church, the teachings of which find exemplification in his daily conduct. During his life he has carefully noted and utilized his opportunities, and his example of unre- mitting industry and perseverance is one well worthy of emulation.
W. H. STEWART.
The industrial interests of Waterloo find a worthy and well known representa- tive in W. H. Stewart, who is the president of the General Machinery & Supply Company. Through the period of his residence in this city, covering fifteen years, he has made for himself a creditable name and place and his popularity among his fellow townsmen is indicated in the fact that he is now secretary of the Town Criers Club. He was born in Lake Mills, Iowa, in 1887, and was therefore but a young lad when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Waterloo. His father. J. H. Stewart, was identified with the manufacturing interests of Waterloo for an extended period and is mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
In the pursuit of his education W. H. Stewart attended the East Waterloo high school and the Waterloo Business College, and later he entered the employ of the Cement Tile Machinery Company, accepting the position of bookkeeper. Gradually. however, he was advanced to positions which placed upon him greater responsibilities and when he severed his connection with the company two years ago he was secretary. He entered upon his present business at that time and in December, 1912, the business was incorporated under the name of the General Machinery & Supply Company, with a capital stock of twenty thousand dollars. Of this company W. H. Stewart is now the president; W. L. Northrup, vice president ; R. D. McCarty, vice president ; and R. D. Jay, secretary and treasurer. They handle everything in contractors' equipments, catering to the builders' trade, and their output is now extensive. The business has been carefully sys- tematized, its methods have been wisely formulated, and the spirit of enterprise which characterizes every department has brought to them increasing success. Mr. Stewart is also a director of the Cement Products Company.
On the 6th of April, 1911, occurred the marriage of Mr. Stewart and Miss Gertrude Lillian Jay, of Marshalltown. Towa. They are well known in Water-
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loo and the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them. Mr. Stewart holds membership in the Commercial Club and Board of Trade. He is one of the younger representatives of business life here and stands as a type of the energetic, industrious young men who see and recognize opportunities and util- ize them to the best advantage. Such men are the real upbuilders of a city's business development and greatness.
J. M. SCHENK.
J. M. Schenk, president of the Cement Tile Machinery Company, of Water- loo, was born on a farm in Bennington township, Black Hawk county, in 1866, his parents being Joseph and Mary Schenk. In his boyhood and youth he attended the district schools and when twenty years of age he began learning the car- penter's trade. He worked in the country for three years and then came to Waterloo, where he was employed until the spring of 1893, when he went to Atlantic, Iowa, where he spent five years in the operation of a planing mill. He then sold out and returned to Waterloo, at which time he entered into partner- ship with F. S. Salisbury. They established what was known as the Novelty Wood Works located on Almond street. At a later date, however, the business was removed to East Seventh street and the plant is now known as the Waterloo Sash & Fixture Works. Mr. Schenk and his partners conducted the business for five years, Mr. Schenk being the secretary and treasurer, and he is still a stockholder and one of the directors.
During the last two years of his connection with the Novelty Wood Works he invented and patented a machine for making cement drain tile and with this patent as a basis he organized a company in connection with J. H. Stewart and F. H. Pfiffner for the manufacture of the machine which he had invented. The new company was organized in 1906. They have since greatly increased their capacity and have also undertaken the manufacture of many other kinds of machinery relative to the handling of cement products. They claim as one of their most important achievements the Bell End Cement Sewer Pipe Machine, which required nearly five years to bring to successful completion and which is now an unqualified success. Because of this invention and its recognized value the Cement Tile Machinery Company has recently taken steps to organize a new company for the purpose of handling the business and placing the new machine upon the market on a royalty basis. This will necessitate a greater capital and also an increase of factory facilities. Mr. Schenk has indeed made for himself a creditable and enviable place in the business world through his inventions and manufacturing interests. Mr. Schenk has studied all forms of mechanical devices, particularly those relating to cement products, and his efforts have been of great value along this line.
In 1901 occurred the marriage of Mr. Schenk and Miss Ella Sykes, a native of New York and a daughter of H. A. Sykes. Coming to the west, she made her home for several years with an aunt and then gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Schenk. They have become the parents of five children, Albert J., Roger L., Esther May, Arthur and Helen.
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While Mr. Schenk usually votes with the republican party, he is somewhat liberal in his political views, nor has he ever been an office seeker. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and his family are connected with the Presbyterian church. Practically his entire life has been spent in Black Hawk county and the substantial qualities he has displayed, not only in business affairs, but also in public connections, have won for him the high regard which is uniformly accorded him and the recognition that places him among the representative citi- zens of this part of the state.
JOSEPH REUTER.
As a merchant of Gilbertville Joseph Reuter has gained an enviable repu- tation and a substantial success, his general store being one of the most pros- perous in the town. He was born near Essen, Westphalen, Germany, in 1865, a son of John and Elizabeth (Billisbach) Reuter, both of whom were born in Neiderland, Germany, the former in 1839 and the latter in 1841. The father is still living but the mother died in 1902. John Reuter was a coal miner and farmer in his early life and followed those occupations until he came to the United States in 1881. He removed with his family to Eagle Center, Black Hawk county, Iowa, and found employment upon farms in that neighborhood until 1905. In that year he purchased land near Jubilee and operated his farm until he retired from business life. He raised both grain and stock and his industry enabled him to win success. In politics he was a democrat and served acceptably as road boss.
Joseph Reuter is the oldest in a family of five children and after arriving at suitable years began working as a farm hand. He saved his earnings with the view of becoming a landowner and eventually accumulated sufficient capital to buy a farm. He still owns one hundred and thirty-seven acres in Poyner township. Aside from the ordinary work of the farm he owned and conducted a threshing machine, which side line returned to him quite a good profit. He gave up agriculture and went into the furniture business in Waterloo, in which he continued for four years. At the end of that time he returned to the farm and devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits for seven years, but in 1913 he came to Gilbertville and entered the mercantile field here. He conducts a general store and carries a fine line of goods, seeking always to meet the demands of his customers. His courtesy and honesty together with the high quality of his goods have enabled him to build up in a comparatively short time a lucrative patronage.
Mr. Reuter married Miss Mary Schmitz, a native of Black Hawk county and a daughter of Jacob and Katrina (Gales) Schmitz. The father was born in Thrarer, Germany, and the mother in Luxemburg. Mr. Schmitz came to this county in 1849, when evidences of pioneer life were to be seen upon every hand. and became the owner of land in both Fox and Poyner townships. He entered enthusiastically into the work of developing his farm and of building up a healthy community life. He helped to erect schools and churches in his neigh- borhood and aided much in the securing of good roads. He was one of those
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who, coming here when the county had changed but little from the prairie over which the Indians roamed, were nevertheless undismayed and labored steadily and courageously to lay the foundations of a fine civilization. To Mr. and Mrs. Reuter were born eight children: John, who is in the store with his father ; Clara and Joseph, at home; Bertha, Mary and Theodore, all attending the Sisters' school; Loretta ; and Agnes.
The family belong to the Catholic church and Mr. Reuter is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and also of the German Central Society of the United States, which is a national organization. He is likewise a member of the St. Laurensius Society and for the past four years he has been chief ranger of the Foresters, and in all of the organizations with which he is identified is well known and popular. His political beliefs accord with the principles of the democratic party and he supports the candidates and measures of that organiza- tion at the polls. He has held a number of minor offices and is always willing to aid in advancing the public welfare. ' He has a number of business connec- tions in his community. He is a stockholder and the president of the German Savings Bank of Gilbertville, of which institution he has been the executive head since its incorporation. He also owns stock in the Gilbertville Light Com- pany, the creamery company, and the Waterloo, Cedar Falls & Northern Rail- way. For six years he was president of the creamery company and in all of his business connections he has displayed marked ability and good judgment. He has been identified with the progress of the county in many ways, and his life has been a force that has made for advancement.
MONTE G. FOSS.
Monte G. Foss, an enterprising young agriculturist and well known native son of Black Hawk county, resides on section 26, Big Creek township, cultivat- ing one hundred and eighty acres of his father's farm. His birth occurred in that township in January, 1888, his parents being E. B. and Ida P. (Finch) Foss, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Pennsylvania. E. B. Foss came to this county with his parents in 1856 and his education, begun in Illinois, was . here continued. When his age and strength permitted he undertook the active work of the fields, and his attention has been devoted to agricultural pursuits in Black Hawk county continuously to the present time. He now owns four hun- dred acres of valuable land on section 26, Big Creek township, improved with two sets of buildings. The period of his residence in this county covers nearly six decades, and he has long enjoyed an enviable reputation as one of its respected and prosperous citizens. His wife, who also yet survives, likewise has an extensive circle of friends here.
Monte G. Foss was reared and educated in Black Hawk county, attending the public schools of La Porte City. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-three years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own, adjoining that of his father. He cultivates one hundred and eighty acres of his father's farm on section 26, Big Creek township, and the well tilled fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he
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bestows upon them. He is a stockholder in the Producers Elevator Company of La Porte City and the La Porte City Creamery Company.
In November, 1911, Mr. Foss was united in marriage to Miss Louise Bedard, a daughter of N. P. and Fannie (Moran) Bedard, the former a native of Canada and the latter of Illinois. Both still survive. Mr. Bedard came to Iowa in a very early day, settling in Tama county, where he has operated a farm continu- ously to the present time, his property lying near the Black Hawk county line. Mr. and Mrs. Foss have two children, namely: Noel M., who is two years old ; and Merna I., who is in her first year.
In politics Mr. Foss is a republican and for two years has ably served as assessor of Big Creek township. He was reelected to that office at the recent election but tendered his resignation. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church. He has remained a resident of this county from his birth to the present time and is widely known as a popular young citizen and progressive agriculturist.
O. W. ARMAGOST.
O. W. Armagost is a well known contractor and builder of Waterloo, engaged in the construction of all kinds of buildings, including fireproof structures. He has kept in touch with the rapid advancement along building lines and is acquainted with all the practical phases of the trade as well as the more scientific principles and features of the business. A native of Charles City, Iowa, he was born on the 10th of April, 1873, and is a son of Absalom and Emma V. Armagost, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Illinois. They were mar- ried in Charles City, Iowa, and the father operated an elevator and conducted a grain business at that point for twenty years. Later he removed to Elma, Iowa, where he conducted business for fifteen years, retiring from active life at the end of that time. His wife passed away in Elma in 1901 but he survives and is now making his home at La Cygne, Kansas, at the age of seventy years.
O. W. Armagost was the second in order of birth in their family of five children and in the schools of Charles City and Elma he pursued his education, supplemented by a course in a business college at Dubuque. He made his initial step as a builder when eighteen years of age by entering upon an apprentice- ship and following the completion of his term he engaged in carpentering for a few years. He afterward engaged in the grain business at Elina, Iowa, and at Hayfield, Minnesota, at which points he conducted a grain trade for two years. At the end of that time he turned his attention to the draying business in Elma, at which he continued for three years and then resumed work at the carpenter's trade. For the past eight years he has done contract work and in the meantime he was connected with the International Correspondence Schools as district solicitor. During the last eight years, in which he has confined his attention to contracting and building, he has erected a number of the prominent residences of Waterloo and also a number of the leading business houses, includ- ing the Hileman & Gindt building, used for undertaking parlors; the Case Dairy building ; the Bronson & Dotson garage, on Sycamore between Seventh and Eighth streets ; the McMurray Theatre building ; and the residences of Dr. Ben-
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